King James Version

What Does Esther 9:5 Mean?

Esther 9:5 in the King James Version says “Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they wo...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. what: Heb. according to their will”

Esther 9:5 · KJV

Context

3

And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. officers: Heb. those which did the business that belonged to the king

4

For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

5

Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. what: Heb. according to their will

6

And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.

7

And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword (וַיַּכּוּ הַיְּהוּדִים בְּכָל־אֹיְבֵיהֶם מַכַּת־חֶרֶב)—The Hebrew makkāt-ḥereb ('stroke of the sword') describes decisive military action. And did what they would unto those that hated them (שׂנְאֵיהֶם, śōnĕ'êhem)—this phrase emphasizes the complete reversal: those who plotted the Jews' destruction now face judgment themselves.

This is not random violence but judicial execution under Persian law (8:11). The edict gave Jews the right to defend themselves and execute judgment on those who sought their genocide. God's providence works through human governments to preserve His covenant people, foreshadowing how He will ultimately judge those who persecute His church (Rev 19:11-21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

On the 13th of Adar (March 473 BC), the day Haman had chosen for Jewish extermination, the tables turned completely. The Persian Empire's legal system, which made royal edicts irrevocable (1:19, 8:8), meant both Haman's genocide decree and Mordecai's defense decree remained in force. Jews exercised their legal right to self-defense.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's providence turn evil plots against His people into opportunities for His glory?
  2. What does this historical deliverance teach about God's faithfulness to preserve His covenant people through all generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיַּכּ֤וּ1 of 11

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הַיְּהוּדִים֙2 of 11

“Thus the Jews”

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

בְּכָל3 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹ֣יְבֵיהֶ֔ם4 of 11

“all their enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

מַכַּת5 of 11

“with the stroke”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

חֶ֥רֶב6 of 11

“of the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְהֶ֖רֶג7 of 11

“and slaughter”

H2027

slaughter

וְאַבְדָ֑ן8 of 11

“and destruction”

H12

a perishing

וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ9 of 11

“and did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְשֹֽׂנְאֵיהֶ֖ם10 of 11

“unto those that hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

כִּרְצוֹנָֽם׃11 of 11

“what they would”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Esther 9:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Esther 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:47-48Jeremiah 18:21Psalms 18:34-40Psalms 149:6-9Psalms 20:7-82 Thessalonians 1:6

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